2011-12 ECNL CLUB MEMO - Blue Sombreropremium.bluesombrero.com/Portals/146/Docs/ECNL/ECNL... ·...

ECNL- Club Memo 1 of 34 7/12/11

2011-12 ECNL CLUB MEMO • This is a comprehensive plethora of compulsory information covering topics such as rosters, player

registration, carding, adding players, player transfers, discovery players, schedule changes, and game logistics. Additionally, it briefly outlines the processes necessary to make players and staff eligible for ECNL competition (pursuit to the ECNL Bylaws & Official Competition Rules for the 2011-12 ECNL Season). All players on an ECNL Roster must be ECNL Registered Players.

ELITE CLUBS NATIONAL LEAGUE .........................................................6 ECNL Mission ...............................................................................................................................................6 ECNL Goal ....................................................................................................................................................6 Special Thanks ...............................................................................................................................................6

2011-12 ECNL ROSTERS........................................................................7 Definition: ECNL Roster ..............................................................................................................................7 ECNL Age Group Eligibility .........................................................................................................................7 ECNL Season Roster Maximum....................................................................................................................7

How many players may be rostered on an ECNL team? .............................................................................................................7 ECNL Game Day Roster Maximum..............................................................................................................7

How many players may be rostered on an ECNL game day roster? ...........................................................................................7 Guidelines to Remember................................................................................................................................7

National Championship Roster Tie..............................................................................................................................................7 Trapped Player .............................................................................................................................................................................7 Dual-Rostered Player ...................................................................................................................................................................7

Dual-Roster Player Examples..................................................................................................................................................7 Dual Rostered Players: Carding Guidelines ............................................................................................................................7

No Drops......................................................................................................................................................................................7 Player / Club Tie ..........................................................................................................................................................................7 Try-Out Calendar & ECNL National Championships.................................................................................................................8 Carding.........................................................................................................................................................................................8

Deadlines........................................................................................................................................................8 July 20, 2011: Opening Day for Team Registration & ECNL National Event Submission........................................................8 July 20, 2011: Opening Day for Initial Roster Submission (Demosphere) .................................................................................8 August 15, 2011: Last Date for Initial Roster Submission ..........................................................................................................8 May 15, 2012: Roster Freeze Date ..............................................................................................................................................8

FAQ: Rostering ..............................................................................................................................................8 May we move players within our ECNL club to play up/down if they are age eligible?............................................................8

Players Playing Up ..................................................................................................................................................................8 Players Playing Down .............................................................................................................................................................8 Exception .................................................................................................................................................................................8

May a current player within our ECNL Club, but on a non ECNL Roster, play on an ECNL team for a National Event or Conference Game?.......................................................................................................................................................................8

Dual Rostered Player ...............................................................................................................................................................8 May a senior in high school who is also a U-19 player be eligible to play for an ECNL U-18 team?........................................8

Trapped Player.........................................................................................................................................................................8 Roster Scenario Examples ...........................................................................................................................................................9


Do I have to submit Team Applications for all of my ECNL teams?..........................................................................................9 What is the difference between an ECNL roster and a US Club (non-ECNL) roster?................................................................9 Guest Playing outside the ECNL .................................................................................................................................................9 My Club has franchises in multiple areas, may I mix my rosters with players from my franchises? .........................................9

Multiple Club Rostering ..........................................................................................................................................................9

CARDING (PLAYER & TEAM STAFF)....................................................10 Cost: Player and Staff Registration/Carding ................................................................................................10 Lifespan........................................................................................................................................................10 ECNL Cards vs US Club Soccer Cards (Passes) .........................................................................................10

ECNL Permanent Passes............................................................................................................................................................10 ECNL Temporary Passes ...........................................................................................................................................................10 US Club Soccer Passes ..............................................................................................................................................................10

Clarification ...........................................................................................................................................................................10 Carding Responsibilities & Request ............................................................................................................10

Carding Request.........................................................................................................................................................................10 Submitting Carding Request to the ECNL (by ECNL Club Administrator) .............................................................................10 Keeping the Cards......................................................................................................................................................................11 Cards at the Games ....................................................................................................................................................................11

Replacement Cards ......................................................................................................................................11 Temporary Cards..........................................................................................................................................11 Dual-Carding................................................................................................................................................11

Definition: Dual-Carding ...........................................................................................................................................................11 Process to be followed: How to Avoid Dual-Carding Situations ..............................................................................................11

1- ECNL Club confirms player does not have a valid USCS Card with another non-ECNL Club ......................................11 2- If the player has a valid USCS card (U14-U18)................................................................................................................11 3- If in U12-U13 Age Group .................................................................................................................................................11

FAQ: Carding...............................................................................................................................................12 Who needs Permanent ECNL Permanent (Plastic) Cards?........................................................................................................12

Players on ECNL Rosters U14-U18 ......................................................................................................................................12 Coaches, Assistant Coaches, & Team Managers...................................................................................................................12

What teams card (register) through Demosphere (ECNL) and get ECNL Permanent (Plastic) cards? ....................................12 What players in my ECNL Club do not necessarily need to be registered within Demosphere?..............................................12 Where should I register my Club’s non-ECNL Teams?............................................................................................................12 How do I print ECNL Temporary Passes? ................................................................................................................................12 How do I request an ECNL Permanent (Plastic) Pass to the ECNL?........................................................................................12 When will I receive my ECNL Permanent (Plastic) Passes?.....................................................................................................13 How do I print US Club Soccer Passes (for Non-ECNL Rosters)? ...........................................................................................13

PLAYER REGISTRATION SUMMARY.....................................................14 Items Needed: Player Registration...............................................................................................................14

US Club Soccer Medical/Registration Form (this is one (1) form). .....................................................................................14 Player Photo (Headshot). .......................................................................................................................................................14 Player Birth Certificate. .........................................................................................................................................................14

Access: Player Registration (Demosphere)..................................................................................................14 ECNL Club Contacts/ECNL Club Administrators ....................................................................................................................14 Team Contacts (Team Managers) ..............................................................................................................................................14

Process Summary.........................................................................................................................................14 Step 1: Upload Proper Documents............................................................................................................................................14 Step 2: Submit Plastic Carding Request ...................................................................................................................................14 Step 3: ECNL Processes the Request.........................................................................................................................................14 Step 4: Pass Issuance Windows .................................................................................................................................................14

Dates & Deadlines: Registration & Carding................................................................................................14


July 20, 2011: Opening Day for Team Registration & ECNL National Event Submission......................................................14 August 15, 2011: Last Date for Initial Roster Submission ........................................................................................................14 Pass Issuance Window Dates.....................................................................................................................................................15

ECNL Contact regarding Player Registration & Carding............................................................................15 FAQ: Player Registration.............................................................................................................................15

Why hasn’t a player been approved? .........................................................................................................................................15 I want to put together a roster of ECNL and non-ECNL players. Where do I do that?.............................................................15 I have a player on both an ECNL roster and a US Club Soccer (non-ECNL) roster. What do I do?........................................15

ADDING PLAYERS .................................................................................16 Process to be Followed: Registering Players After the Initial ECNL Roster Submission...........................16

Rules: ECNL Conference & Cross-Conference Competition ..................................................................................................16 Carding: ECNL Conference & Cross-Conference Competition................................................................................................16 Rules: ECNL National Event Competition...............................................................................................................................16 Carding: ECNL National Event Competition ............................................................................................................................16

What is the Pass Issuance Window? ............................................................................................................16

PLAYER TRANSFERS .............................................................................17 Criteria to Transfer.......................................................................................................................................17 Process to be Followed: Player Transfers ....................................................................................................17 Upon Player Transfer Approval ...................................................................................................................17 FAQ: Player Transfers .................................................................................................................................17

Are there limits to the amount of roster changes that can be made throughout the season? .....................................................17 Limits on transfers from other teams? .......................................................................................................................................17

DISCOVERY PLAYERS ...........................................................................18 Definition: Discovery Player .......................................................................................................................18

Process to be Followed: Discovery Player Registration and Carding .......................................................................................18 Discovery Player Carding ..........................................................................................................................................................18

Discovery Player Limitations & Guidelines ................................................................................................18 Discovery Player: Number of Discovery Players per ECNL Roster .........................................................................................18 Discovery Player Guidelines......................................................................................................................................................18

ECNL SEASON SCHEDULING ...............................................................19 Definitions....................................................................................................................................................19

Fixture Dates ..............................................................................................................................................................................19 ECNL Season.............................................................................................................................................................................19 ECNL Regular Season ...............................................................................................................................................................19 Home Team vs. Away Team .....................................................................................................................................................19

Conference & Cross Conference Scheduling...............................................................................................19 How were conference games scheduled? ..................................................................................................................................19

2011-2012 ECNL Schedule...................................................................................................................................................19 Conference Competition Scheduling.....................................................................................................................................19

Deadline for Conference & Cross-Conference Competitions ...................................................................................................19 Regular Season Games in Conjunction with Other Events..........................................................................19 Home Team Responsibilities .......................................................................................................................19

Securing Game Venues..............................................................................................................................................................19 Cost of Game Venues ................................................................................................................................................................19 Setting Game Times...................................................................................................................................................................19 Submitting Initial Fixture Date Venue Name/address, field assignments and game times .......................................................20 Referees......................................................................................................................................................................................20


Guidelines to Remember..............................................................................................................................20 Referees......................................................................................................................................................................................20 Special Circumstances: Time and Venue Changes (Post-Fixture Date Submission) ................................................................20 Special Circumstances: Cancelled Games .................................................................................................................................20

Process to Follow: Submitting Game Venues/Times for Fixture Dates ......................................................20 Format ........................................................................................................................................................................................20 Deadlines for Venue/Time Submission .....................................................................................................................................20

Process to Follow: Fixture Date Game Changes .........................................................................................21 Guidelines to Remember............................................................................................................................................................21 Format for Submitting................................................................................................................................................................21 Deadlines for Fixture Date Game Change Submission .............................................................................................................21

Uniforms ......................................................................................................................................................21 Summary of Important Dates .......................................................................................................................22

Referees: Submitted no later than seven days before the scheduled date of competition. ........................................................22 July 20, 2011: Game Changes for fixture dates initially scheduled in Fall 2011(Aug-Dec)....................................................22 August 1, 2011: Venues/Times due for games to be played in Fall 2011 (Aug-Dec) ...............................................................22 December 1, 2011: Venues/Times due for games to be played in Winter 2011-12 (Jan-Feb)..................................................22 February 1, 2012: Games Changes for fixture dates scheduled in Spring 2011 (Mar-June).....................................................22 February 15, 2012: Venues/Times due for games to be played in Spring 2012 (March-June) ................................................22 June 10, 2012: ECNL Regular Season ends .............................................................................................................................22

GAME DAY & GAME RELATED............................................................23 Game Lengths ..............................................................................................................................................23 Cautions .......................................................................................................................................................23

Yellow and Red Cards (Players)................................................................................................................................................23 Yellow and Red Cards (Team Staff)..........................................................................................................................................23 Yellow and Red Card Carryover................................................................................................................................................23 Accumulation .............................................................................................................................................................................23

Required Game Day Related Items..............................................................................................................23 Game Reports.............................................................................................................................................................................23

Game Report Active Roster Maximum .................................................................................................................................23 Conference & Cross Conference Compitions – Home Team................................................................................................23 National Event Competitions.................................................................................................................................................23

Reporting Game Scores (Conference & Cross-Conference Games) .........................................................................................23 Report Game Score (Home Team) ........................................................................................................................................23 Phone-In Instructions (Home Team) .....................................................................................................................................23

Submitting Team Statistics ........................................................................................................................................................24 Teams are Responsible for Recording their own Statistics ...................................................................................................24 Instructions for Team Contact (Team Manager, Coach, or Assistant Coach).......................................................................24

Game Report (Match Report) FAQ ...........................................................................................................................................25 How do I print an ECNL Game Report? ...............................................................................................................................25 My Season roster has 22 players listed, how many of them are eligible to play in an ECNL competition?.........................25 If an ECNL rostered U15 player is playing up with the ECNL U16 team for a weekend of games, what do I do?.............25

JR ECNL Competition (U13) .....................................................................................................................25 Age Groups ................................................................................................................................................................................25 Game Lengths ............................................................................................................................................................................25 Sanctioning and Passes ..............................................................................................................................................................25 Optional Participation ................................................................................................................................................................25 Roster Rules ...............................................................................................................................................................................25 Competition Format ...................................................................................................................................................................25

REFEREE SUMMARY .............................................................................26 Securing Referees for Conference & Cross-Conference Games .................................................................26

How are referees assigned for conference games? By league or home team? .........................................................................26


Pay Scale ......................................................................................................................................................26

ECNL PLAYER-ID PROGRAM SUMMARY............................................27 Scouting Nominations..................................................................................................................................27 Required Scouts ...........................................................................................................................................27 Scouting Participation ..................................................................................................................................27 Scouting Data ...............................................................................................................................................27 Violations .....................................................................................................................................................27 About Player iD Program.............................................................................................................................27

MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION .........................................................28 ECNL Structure............................................................................................................................................28

Member Club Standards and Guidelines ...................................................................................................................................28 Mandatory Compliance .........................................................................................................................................................28 Recommendations .................................................................................................................................................................28 Enforcement...........................................................................................................................................................................28

ECNL Standards ..........................................................................................................................................28 Policies and Procedures ...............................................................................................................................28

Compliance with the ECNL Competition Rules........................................................................................................................28 Competition Documentation ......................................................................................................................................................28

Disciplinary Matters & Disciplinary Committee .........................................................................................28 Protests and Appeals. .................................................................................................................................................................29

ECNL Marketing..........................................................................................................................................29 ECNL Uniform Patches .............................................................................................................................................................29 Logo on ECNL Member Club Website .....................................................................................................................................29 ECNL Tab on ECNL Member Club Website ............................................................................................................................29

ECNL Member Club Meetings (Annual General Meeting).........................................................................29 Communication between the ECNL and ECNL Member Clubs .................................................................29

Necessary ECNL Club Contacts ................................................................................................................................................29 Necessary ECNL Team Contacts...............................................................................................................................................29 Guidelines to Remember............................................................................................................................................................30

Participating Teams......................................................................................................................................30

TRAVEL ASSISTANCE............................................................................31

ECNL NATIONAL EVENT SUMMARY...................................................31 Registration Fee per Event ...........................................................................................................................31 ECNL National Event Calendar...................................................................................................................31 Payment for National Events .......................................................................................................................31 ECNL National Championships...................................................................................................................31

RESOURCE CENTER ..............................................................................31 Is there a place for me to find these rules?...................................................................................................31

2011-12 ECNL CALENDAR ..................................................................32

GLOSSARY .............................................................................................34


ELITE CLUBS NATIONAL LEAGUE ECNL Mission The Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) was founded in 2009 to enhance the developmental experience of female youth soccer players in the United States through:

(i) Improving the competitive environment through creation of a true national competitive league with multiple flights; (ii) Improving the process for identifying elite female soccer players for the U.S. Soccer youth national teams through a

systematic scouting and identification program based on national competitions; and (iii) Improving the daily training environment at top female youth soccer clubs through developing best practices and

training and organizational guidelines for its member clubs.

ECNL Goal

• The goal of the Elite Clubs National League is to change the landscape for elite female soccer players in the United States through innovative, player-centered programming and to enhance the overall experience by creating a better, more enjoyable, and more successful player, coach, and club development model.

• To accomplish this goal, the ECNL developed a common organizational structure, composed of individual clubs operating collectively under the direction of a commissioner. Because the ECNL exists to promote the common interest of its member clubs, the ECNL operating model is unified and comprehensive and values accessibility and sustainability. The ECNL utilizes four primary delivery mechanisms, or platforms, for “Changing the Daily Environment:” 1-The Competition Platform; 2-The Player Identification Platform; 3 – The Club and Coach Development Platform, and 4 – The HER Platform (a female-specific health, wellness, and rejuvenation platform).

Special Thanks • Eurosport is the official retailer for the soccer product category at all ECNL Events. • Nike Soccer is the official footwear, apparel, and equipment provider of the ECNL. Nike Soccer provides marketing and

product support, television access, coaching support and education, and unique developmental experiences for ECNL players.

• US Club Soccer sanctions the ECNL, as well as providing additional services, including administrative, event management, and advisory services.


2011-12 ECNL ROSTERS Definition: ECNL Roster

• ECNL Roster means the roster of an ECNL Team during the ECNL Season when playing in an ECNL Competition. An ECNL Roster shall only be used for ECNL Competitions. ECNL Rosters apply to the U-14, U-15, U-16, U-17, and U-18 age groups. (This may also be called the ECNL Season Roster).

• The 2011-12 ECNL Season begins August 20, 2011. The last day of the 2011-12 ECNL Season is July 1, 2012.

ECNL Age Group Eligibility 1. ECNL age groups for the 2011-2012 ECNL Season are provided below:

a. U18 Age Group: Born between 8/1/1993 and 7/31/1994 b. U17 Age Group: Born between 8/1/1994 and 7/31/1995 c. U16 Age Group: Born between 8/1/1995 and 7/31/1996 d. U15 Age Group: Born between 8/1/1996 and 7/31/1997 e. U14 Age Group: Born between 8/1/1997 and 7/31/1998

2. Players may play for their own age group and for “older” age groups.

ECNL Season Roster Maximum How many players may be rostered on an ECNL team?

• In the ECNL U14, U15, U16, and U17 age groups, a maximum of twenty-six (26) players may be rostered on the ECNL Team’s ECNL Season Roster.

• In the ECNL U18 age group, a maximum of thirty (30) players may be rostered on the ECNL Team’s ECNL Season Roster.

ECNL Game Day Roster Maximum How many players may be rostered on an ECNL game day roster?

• A maximum of eighteen (18) ECNL Registered Players from an ECNL Team’s ECNL Season Roster will be eligible for each game in ECNL Competition (the “ECNL Game Day Roster”). If more than eighteen (18) ECNL Registered Players appear on an ECNL Roster, the “active” players for the ECNL Competition must be identified on the ECNL Game Report.

Guidelines to Remember National Championship Roster Tie

• An ECNL Registered Player may play for only one ECNL Team within her ECNL Club at the ECNL National Championship. The ECNL Board of Directors shall provide a date during each ECNL Season by which each ECNL Club must roster tie every ECNL Registered Player to the ECNL Roster of one ECNL Team for the ECNL National Championship.

Trapped Player • A Trapped U-18 Player may participate in U-18 ECNL Competition. A “Trapped Player” is a player that is still in high

school, but who is born between 8/1/1992 and 7/31/1993. Dual-Rostered Player

• If a player in your club is invited to play just for one weekend with your ECNL specific team, you must roster her on your official ECNL Roster. She is permitted to go back and play with her team. This is called “Dual-Rostered.”

Dual-Roster Player Examples • If a player within your ECNL club is invited to play for one weekend with your ECNL specific team, you must roster

her on your official ECNL Roster. She is permitted to go back and play with her team. This is called a “Dual Rostered” player

• Pool of players within an ECNL club, if a player is pulled up to play with the ECNL team for a game, she will be added to the permanent roster for the remainder of the year. She will be allowed to go back and play for her original team; again this is called a “Dual Rostered” player.

Dual Rostered Players: Carding Guidelines • Conference Game- The player may use a US Club Soccer card. • National Event- The player needs a permanent ECNL plastic card because she takes up a permanent spot on the

roster. No Drops

• No ECNL Registered Players may be dropped from an ECNL Roster during an ECNL Season, except pursuant to the Transfer Regulations below.

Player / Club Tie • A player may only be rostered to one (1) ECNL Club each ECNL Season, except pursuant to the Transfer Regulations

provided below.


Try-Out Calendar & ECNL National Championships • Beginning in the 2011-12 season, while you may have try-outs for your ECNL team at any point, you may not train or

try-out an ECNL player from another ECNL club until after the ECNL National Championship, and no ECNL roster may be submitted until July 1, 2012.

Carding • For Conference and Cross-Conference Games, ECNL rostered players may use ECNL Temporary Passes. For ECNL

National Events, the player must have an ECNL Permanent (Plastic) Card.

Deadlines July 20, 2011: Opening Day for Team Registration & ECNL National Event Submission July 20, 2011: Opening Day for Initial Roster Submission (Demosphere) • On July 18, 2011, the Demosphere online system opens for the 2011-12 ECNL Season. Also beginning July 18, 2011, ECNL

Club Administrators may submit the initial ECNL Roster with a minimum of fifteen (15) ECNL Registered Players for each ECNL Team.

August 15, 2011: Last Date for Initial Roster Submission • Each ECNL Team must have submitted the initial ECNL Roster with a minimum of fifteen (15) ECNL Registered Players by

August 15, 2011. Additional players may be added to the ECNL Roster of each ECNL Team as provided in the section “Adding Players.”

May 15, 2012: Roster Freeze Date • The 2011-12 ECNL roster freeze date is May 15, 2012. This means no players may be added to the roster, in any capacity

after May 15, 2012. All requests must be fully completed and submitted to the ECNL by May 15, 2012. No exceptions.

FAQ: Rostering May we move players within our ECNL club to play up/down if they are age eligible?

• An ECNL Registered Player may play on different ECNL Teams within her ECNL Club from game-to-game during the ECNL Regular Season, provided they are age eligible.

• The ECNL suggests rostering players on the ECNL team in which they will be playing the majority of their games with; in most cases this is their proper age group.

Players Playing Up • An ECNL Registered Player may play for any ECNL Team in her ECNL Club for which she is age eligible. Players

may play for their own age group and for “older” age groups. The younger players on an ECNL Team may play on the older ECNL teams within their ECNL Club, and shall not count towards the roster limit for such older ECNL team.

o For example, if an ECNL rostered U-16 player is moved up for an ECNL U-17 game, she does not have to be added to the U-17 permanent roster. She should be selected (or added) to the specific pre-match report prior to the game. In 2011-12 no players shall be hand written on a Match Report.

• Players are permitted to play for their own age group and for “older” age groups provided they only play in one game per day.

Players Playing Down • Yes, you may move ECNL rostered players down without penalty as long as they are age eligible. The ECNL suggests

rostering players on the ECNL team, which they will be playing the majority of their games with; in most cases this is their proper age group.

Exception • A player cannot play against the same opponent for both teams in one "cycle" (for example: A player cannot play with

your U-15s Friday night vs. slammers and then play with your U-16s vs. Slammers on Saturday night). May a current player within our ECNL Club, but on a non ECNL Roster, play on an ECNL team for a National Event or Conference Game?

• If a player from a non-ECNL team within your club plays up with an ECNL team, she must be added to the permanent ECNL roster.

Dual Rostered Player • If a player within an ECNL Club is pulled up from a non ECNL team and/or invited to play for the ECNL team (even

for one game), the player must be added to the permanent ECNL roster for the remainder of the year. Yes, the player will count towards the ECNL Season roster maximum (26 players for U-14 to U-17 and 30 players for U-18). In saying that, the player is permitted to go back and play with her other team (non ECNL team) during the season.

• In other words, there is a pool of players within an ECNL club. If a player is pulled up to play with the ECNL team for a game, she will be added to the permanent ECNL roster for the remainder of the year. She will be allowed to go back and play for her original non-ECNL team.

May a senior in high school who is also a U-19 player be eligible to play for an ECNL U-18 team? Trapped Player

• Yes, a trapped U-18 Player may participate in U-18 ECNL Competition.


Roster Scenario Examples • Nancy (born 11/5/94) is a player currently rostered on the U-16 ECNL roster. This weekend she will be playing on the

U-17 team. Yes, this is legal, but she must only play in one ECNL game per day. Additionally, she may not play in more than one game versus the same opponent (in the same match-up)

• Please make sure that players are rostered on the age group desired from the beginning of the season.

How do I print my Roster? • Club Administrators may print official team rosters by following the steps below:

o From Club Home, click Roster Administration. o Choose the appropriate league (ECNL or US Club Soccer) followed by team. o At the top, click Print Roster Options and select the official roster. o Note: Only approved players and staff members will appear on the roster.

Do I have to submit Team Applications for all of my ECNL teams? • Yes, individual applications must be submitted for your U14, U15, U16, U17, and U18 teams.

What is the difference between an ECNL roster and a US Club (non-ECNL) roster? • ECNL rosters are for ECNL events only. The rosters have specific roster limits and players cannot be dropped once

added. The US Club Soccer rosters are for non-ECNL players that need cards and for producing rosters for non-ECNL events that are comprised of ECNL and non-ECNL players. These rosters are optional and can be used as needed by each club.

Guest Playing outside the ECNL • ECNL Registered Players that participate in a tournament as a guest player with another club, provided that the

tournament takes place over no more than four (4) days. My Club has franchises in multiple areas, may I mix my rosters with players from my franchises?

• ECNL Club with franchises in multiple states, affiliates in multiple states, or with agreements licensing use of the trademarks of the ECNL Club to youth soccer clubs in multiple states. Each franchisee of the Franchise Club, affiliate of the Franchise Club, or licensee of the Franchise Club, shall be considered a separate and independent club for purposes. See Multiple Club Rostering.

Multiple Club Rostering • After being registered as an ECNL Registered Player for an ECNL Season, an ECNL Registered Player may not appear

on any roster in any competition for any other ECNL club except for rosters of the ECNL Club on which she is rostered as an ECNL Registered Player. (The ECNL Registered Player may appear on any number of rosters, in any competition, of the ECNL Club to which she is registered as an ECNL Registered Player.)

• If an ECNL Registered Player appears on a roster for a different club besides the ECNL Club to which she is registered as an ECNL Registered Player after the date she became rostered as an ECNL Registered Player (“Multiple Club Rostering”), the eligibility of the ECNL Registered Player will be reviewed by the ECNL Board of Directors and/or the ECNL Disciplinary Committee.

• If it is determined by the ECNL Board of Directors, at its sole discretion, that the ECNL Club to which the ECNL Registered Player is registered was aware of the Multiple Club Rostering, the ECNL Board of Directors may take any or all of the following actions: (i) declare the ECNL Registered Player ineligible for the remainder of that ECNL Season; (ii) declare all games in which the ECNL Registered Player appeared on the ECNL Roster as forfeits by the ECNL Team on which such player was rostered; and / or (iii) recommend immediate revocation of the ECNL Club’s membership in the ECNL.


CARDING (PLAYER & TEAM STAFF) Cost: Player and Staff Registration/Carding

1. $19.00 per player/per staff. a. Example: u/15 team x 26 players = $494.

2. Payment Method: Credit Card Only. a. If the club does not have a Club credit card, one method to solve this is using a VISA gift card. These cards

may be purchased at local grocery stores, target, etc. (Just make sure card is activated). 3. $19.00 Includes:

a. Player: insurance and membership and plastic card. b. Staff: insurance, membership, plastic card, background check.

Lifespan 1. Staff- 2 years (Renewed every 2 years, expires July 31 two years from the issue date).

a. STAFF WILL NEED TO UNDERGO A BACKGROUND CHECK EVERY 2 YEARS. b. LINK:

https://www.e7sports2.com/E7/Registration/Soccer/US_Club_BK11/Player_reg/Bk_reg_select_type_menu.php 2. Player- 1 year (Renewed on an annual basis- expires July 31 of each calendar year).

ECNL Cards vs US Club Soccer Cards (Passes) • ECNL Player Cards are different than US Club Soccer Cards. ECNL cards are permanent plastic cards that look like

credit cards. There are 2 types of passes that will be accepted at ECNL Competitions: (i) an ECNL Permanent Pass and (ii) an ECNL Temporary Pass. These are the only passes that will be accepted for ECNL Competitions. A third type of pass (a “US Club Soccer Pass”) will be used by players U-11 and above in ECNL Clubs that are not currently participating on an ECNL team in an ECNL Competition, but do participate in other competitions on a US Club Soccer Roster, including JR ECNL Competition, with the ECNL Club.

ECNL Permanent Passes • ECNL Permanent (Plastic) Passes are plastic cards and are only used by ECNL Registered Players or staff on an ECNL

Roster. Permanent Passes are issued by the US Club Soccer office and mailed to ECNL Club Administrators during the pass issuance windows set forth below. ECNL Permanent Passes are required for participation in ECNL National Competition.

ECNL Temporary Passes • Temporary are passes validated by US Club Soccer, and then printed and laminated by the ECNL Team. ECNL Temporary

Passes are used by ECNL Registered Players and staff who register for an ECNL Team outside of the pass issuance windows set forth below. Players with ECNL Temporary Passes will be issued ECNL Permanent Passes during the next subsequent pass issuance window. ECNL Temporary Passes or ECNL Permanent Passes are required for participation in ECNL conference and/or cross-conference competition. Temporary passes are not accepted at ECNL National Events.

US Club Soccer Passes • US Club Soccer Passes are passes validated by US Club Soccer on the Demosphere website, and then printed and laminated

by the ECNL Club. US Club Soccer Passes should be used for all players and staff registering with an ECNL Club who may not compete in ECNL Competition but who will compete in other competitions on a US Club Soccer roster. Any ECNL players playing with these players in a non- ECNL competition shall be placed on the US Club Soccer Roster for that team for that non- ECNL competition.

Clarification A player may receive all three types of passes over the course of a season. For example, a player on a “second” team would be issued a US Club Soccer Pass at the time of registration, would receive an ECNL Temporary Pass if they are added to an ECNL Roster outside of a pass issuance window, and then would receive an ECNL Permanent Pass at the next pass issuance window.

Carding Responsibilities & Request Carding Request

1. Preparation for the Request: A carding request may be made once the proper registration items are uploaded in Demosphere (See Player Registration Section). This includes uploading birth certificate and headshot, validating Medical Registration Form with a check box, and making payment.

2. Team Managers Making the Request. The Team Manager submits the carding request via email to his/her ECNL Club Administrator (once all information has been successfully uploaded).

Submitting Carding Request to the ECNL (by ECNL Club Administrator) 1. To request a card for players or staff members

a. Log in as a club administrator, b. Click Roster Admin, and navigate to the appropriate ECNL roster. c. Click the "plastic card requests" button and indicate which players/staff members should receive plastic cards


and save. d. Once approved, a plastic card will be mailed at the next print date.

Keeping the Cards 1. Player Cards- the respective team manager is responsible 2. Coach/Assistant Coach Cards- the coach/assistant coach

Cards at the Games 1. The Team Manager is responsible for getting all the cards back from the Referee. 2. The Team Manager is responsible for keeping the cards throughout the year.

Replacement Cards 1. If a card is lost, the team manager or coach should contact their ECNL Club Administrator. 2. The ECNL Club Administrator then emails Sharon Young directly.

a. Email by: ECNL Club Administrator. b. Email to: [email protected] c. Subject: ECNL Replacement Card Request. d. Email Body:

i. Provide the following information for who needs the replacement card: 1. Name/Role/ECNL Club Team. 2. Mailing Address.

3. Team Managers/Coaches should not contact ECNL Registration directly regarding Replacement cards.

Temporary Cards 1. ECNL Temporary Cards are accepted at all ECNL conference and cross-conference games. 2. ECNL Temporary Cards are not accepted at any ECNL National Events (All players must have permanent ECNL Plastic

Cards for ECNL National Events).

Dual-Carding Definition: Dual-Carding

• Dual-Carding means an ECNL rostered player has a valid USCS Player Card and an ECNL Permanent (or temporary) Player Pass. For clarification, all ECNL rostered players ages U14, U15, U16, U17, and U18 may not be dual-carded (Unless they are properly listed as one of the team's allocated Discovery Players).

• In order to avoid the confusion of dual-rostering ECNL players when rostering new ECNL players to ECNL teams, it is presumed that all ECNL rostered players (U14 and above) are presumed to be full time ECNL players

Process to be followed: How to Avoid Dual-Carding Situations 1- ECNL Club confirms player does not have a valid USCS Card with another non-ECNL Club

• Before an ECNL Club registers ECNL players and request a card, ECNL clubs should confirm the player does not already have a valid USCS card with another club.

2- If the player has a valid USCS card (U14-U18) • Via the ECNL club or the player, they need to contact the non-ECNL club to release the player on the US Club

Soccer website. • If that club refuses to do so, and all attempts have failed, please pass the matter on to US Club Soccer by doing the

following: o Email sent by: Player or new ECNL Club Administrator o Email sent to: [email protected]

cc: skate@eliteclubsnationalleague, previous Club administrator, player’s parent’s/legal guardian, new ECNL Club Administrator

o Email Body: Confirmation of what needs to be done, and confirming the parent/legal guardian that is what they want done. (As a matter of courtesy, the non-ECNL club should be informed in any event the player is leaving--but if there is no valid card, it's not an issue.

3- If in U12-U13 Age Group • For U12 and U13 where ECNL Clubs want to register all players on non ECNL teams in their ECNL Club under

Demosphere, the situation is potentially a little different. At this age group, the player does not have to be exclusive to the ECNL club. Players at the U12 and U13 age-group may dual card with a non-ECNL club. This may allow ECNL clubs to get an early look at some players that they might not otherwise.

• To avoid chaos, a couple of things need to happen: o Step 1: The two clubs and player all need to be on the same page re. obligations, training, games to be

played, etc. and what the player will be doing. o Step 2: Then the non-ECNL club needs to email USCS in the following format:

Email sent by: non-ECNL Club. Email sent to: [email protected].


cc: skate@eliteclubsnationalleague, ECNL Club Administrator, player’s parent’s/legal guardian.

Body of the Email: Informing parties involved of the arrangement--not the details, just that there is one.

FAQ: Carding Who needs Permanent ECNL Permanent (Plastic) Cards?

• An ECNL Plastic Card is needed 1- if you are a player, 2- you are working with a soccer ball with the players on the sideline or at practice, or 3- You are a Team Manager who travels with the Team. In summary, at a minimum, all rostered ECNL Players, Discovery Players, Dual-Rostered Players, and Coaches of ECNL teams must have an ECNL Permanent (Plastic) Card in order to participate in ECNL National Event competitions.

Players on ECNL Rosters U14-U18 • Players on ECNL rosters for the u14, u15, u16, u17, and u18 teams. This includes ECNL Rostered Players,

Discovery Players, Dual-Rostered Players. o A player currently listed on an ECNL season roster that is invited to play up (or down if age appropriate

with another ECNL team within her club for a game, does not need a new card player card. She must be handwritten on the game day roster and may use her current ECNL plastic card.

Coaches, Assistant Coaches, & Team Managers • The ECNL recommends Coaches & Assistant Coaches have just one card (regardless of how many teams they may

coach). • Team Manager (who travels with the team).

What teams card (register) through Demosphere (ECNL) and get ECNL Permanent (Plastic) cards? • Players listed on ECNL rosters for the U-14, U-15, U-16, U-17, and U-18 ECNL teams. • Whenever a player is added to an ECNL Roster and therefore becomes an ECNL Registered Player, the player will need

to have either an ECNL Permanent Pass or an ECNL Temporary Pass in order to participate in ECNL Competition. A US Club Soccer Pass will not be sufficient to allow a player to participate in ECNL Competition.

What players in my ECNL Club do not necessarily need to be registered within Demosphere? • The ECNL recommends registering all teams ages u12 and above with Demosphere regardless of whether they

are on ECNL rosters or on a non-ECNL team within the club (i.e. USCS team). In other words, any players within your club that are not on your ECNL rosters, but instead participate on non-ecnl teams (i.e. USCS teams), their registration may be completed within Demosphere. Although this is not required, in the event a player is invited to play up with an ECNL team, it will make adding this player to the ECNL roster easier for all parties involved.

Where should I register my Club’s non-ECNL Teams? 1. If you initially register non ECNL players within your ECNL Club through US Club Soccer and one of these players is

pulled up to an ECNL team during the year, you must completely re-register the player in ECNL’s Demosphere System and pay $19 for a new ECNL Permanent (Plastic) Card.

2. If you initially register you non ECNL players within your ECNL Club through ECNL’s Demosphere System, then when a player gets pulled up, you do not have to register them again, nor do you have to pay for the new ECNL Permanent (Plastic) Card.

3. If you register all in US Clubs Soccer, and you have players who move up to an ECNL team, you will have to pay to re-register them.

4. The ECNL recommends registering all teams ages U-12 and above with Demosphere regardless of whether they are on ECNL rosters or on a non-ECNL team within the club (i.e. US Club Soccer team).

How do I print ECNL Temporary Passes? 1. Since plastic cards are only generated on the specific dates listed above, club administrators have the ability to print a

temporary ECNL Pass for players and/or staff until the plastic card arrives. 2. To generate these passes, you will need Avery 5390 card stock. This is available at Staples, Office Depot, Office Max,

etc. Each sheet of card stock can accommodate 4 passes. a. Navigate to Roster Admin and the appropriate ECNL roster. b. Click "Print Passes" and check the box next to the approved players and/or staff you wish you print. c. Click "Print PDF" and a PDF file will be generated with the passes you requested. d. Laminate.

How do I request an ECNL Permanent (Plastic) Pass to the ECNL? 1. Team Managers must email their ECNL Club Administrator and ask them to request their ECNL Permanent Passes. 2. ECNL Club Administrators have access to submit these request to the ECNL.

a. To request a card for players or staff members, log in as a club administrator: b. Click Roster Admin, and navigate to the appropriate ECNL roster. c. Click the "plastic card requests" button and indicate which players/staff members should receive plastic cards

and save. d. Once approved, a plastic card will be mailed at the next print date (Pass Issuance Window).


When will I receive my ECNL Permanent (Plastic) Passes? 1. Official ECNL passes will be plastic cards printed by ECNL and mailed to your club for use. 2. These passes will be generated six (6) times during the year.

September 1, 2011: All September 26- October 3, 2011 December 6-17, 2011 February 13 – 20, 2012 March 16-26, 2012 May 8-15, 2012

How do I print US Club Soccer Passes (for Non-ECNL Rosters)? 1. Those in your ECNL club that are non-ECNL players or staff will need a US Club Soccer pass to participate in games.

There will not be plastic US Club Soccer passes - only these. 2. These passes are formatted for Avery 5390 card stock. Each sheet of card stock can accommodate 4 passes.

a. Navigate to Roster Admin and the appropriate US Club Soccer roster. b. Click "Print Passes" and check the box next to the approved players and/or staff you wish you print. c. Click "Print PDF" and a PDF file will be generated with the passes you requested. d. Laminate.


PLAYER REGISTRATION SUMMARY Items Needed: Player Registration The following documents are needed to officially register a player for the ECNL (aka make them eligible): US Club Soccer Medical/Registration Form (this is one (1) form).

• About: This is one form and is required of all players who are registering through their ECNL Club with US Club Soccer. As an alternative to receiving this form in hard copy from the ECNL Club, players or parents may download the form, complete it, and submit a hard copy to your club’s ECNL Club Administrator/Registrar.

• Location of Form: The ECNL Resource Center. • Collection Responsibility: The ECNL Club Team Manager will collect the form from his/her team and submit the form

to his/her ECNL Club Administrator. • Storage: The Player’s ECNL Club Administrator should keep a copy of this form for the ECNL Club’s records. The

ECNL will contact the Club Administrator/Registrar directly if the form is needed in the future. • Team Managers should have copies of the Medical Registration forms with them at all ECNL Competitions.

Player Photo (Headshot). • The photo image is kept on file in a secure location; it is also the photo that appears on the ECNL Player/Coach Cards.

Player Birth Certificate. • You need a digital copy (scan, picture, or email) of the birth certificate. Once uploaded, the image is kept on file in a

secure location.

Access: Player Registration (Demosphere) ECNL Club Contacts/ECNL Club Administrators

• Access to all club functions (including all teams). • Can designate additional club administrators. • Can grant Manager access to specific teams. • Can receive schedule changes (if ’notify of Game Change’ option is selected).

Team Contacts (Team Managers) • Access to specific team only • Note: Team Application must be submitted for manager to access team information. • Forgot your password? Click "Retrieve Your Log In" link on the page.

Process Summary • The entire player registration process is completed online. The ECNL Club Administrator may complete the entire

process or he/she may grant access to Team Contacts (Team Managers). Step 1: Upload Proper Documents

• ECNL Team Managers are responsible for uploading all information, including uploading the Photo and Birth Certificate into Demosphere. If the Medical Waiver has been properly completed and collected by the ECNL Team Manager, the ECNL Team Manager should indicate this by clicking the check box within Demosphere player registration. ECNL Team Managers shall keep a hard copy of the Medical Waiver on file at all times. This hard copy may need to be presented at ECNL National Event Competitions throughout the year. It is recommended to keep a copy of the Medical Waiver on hand at all ECNL Event Competitions.

Step 2: Submit Plastic Carding Request • The ECNL Team Manager then sends a request to their club’s ECNL Club Administrator (email) • The ECNL Club Administrator then submits the requests.

Step 3: ECNL Processes the Request • The ECNL will processes the request; if there are any questions, the ECNL will contact the ECNL Club Administrator.

Step 4: Pass Issuance Windows • The ECNL will print cards out and mail them to the ECNL Club Administrator (Pursuant to the Pass Issuance Window

Dates). * The ECNL request that all five (5) ECNL Teams’ initial carding request be submitted at the same time.

Dates & Deadlines: Registration & Carding July 20, 2011: Opening Day for Team Registration & ECNL National Event Submission

• The first date that ECNL Season Rosters with a minimum of 15 players may be submitted (online). August 15, 2011: Last Date for Initial Roster Submission

• The last date for initial ECNL Roster submission (a minimum of 15 players) for each ECNL team. • Additional players may be added to the ECNL Roster of each ECNL Team as provided in the section “Adding Players.”


Pass Issuance Window Dates • Replacement Card request may be made at any time, but ECNL Permanent (Plastic) Cards will only be delivered during

the Pass Issuance Windows. An ECNL Temporary Pass may be used for ECNL Conference and Cross-Conference competitions. A request must be complete (include all the proper information as listed above).

o September 1, 2011 o September 26- October 3, 2011 o December 6-17, 2011 o February 13 – 20, 2012 o March 16-26, 2012 o May 8-15, 2012

ECNL Contact regarding Player Registration & Carding Specific Questions: [email protected]

FAQ: Player Registration Why hasn’t a player been approved?

• Players are approved only after all criteria have been met. This should be managed by an ECNL Club Administrator or Team Manager from:

o Team Pages --> Roster section. • Approval criteria includes the following:

o Birth Certificate uploaded (Players from ’10-’11 have proof of age already verified), o Photo uploaded, o Medical Registration Waiver Form (ROO2 Column), and o Payment made.

I want to put together a roster of ECNL and non-ECNL players. Where do I do that? • Please create this roster on the age-appropriate US Club Soccer (non-ECNL) roster. These rosters can contain a

combination of ECNL and non-ECNL players. Do not put non-ECNL players on an ECNL roster as they will count towards the roster limit.

I have a player on both an ECNL roster and a US Club Soccer (non-ECNL) roster. What do I do? • First, register them on their ECNL roster. Wait until the player is approved. After approval, roster them on the age-

appropriate US Club Soccer roster and they will be automatically approved. Note: this can also be done in the opposite fashion if needed - i.e. register on US Club Soccer roster and then ECNL - the key is to wait until the player is approved before placing on another roster.


ADDING PLAYERS Process to be Followed: Registering Players After the Initial ECNL Roster Submission.

• Registering (adding players) to an ECNL Roster process is same process as the “regular” player registration and carding process outlined in this document.

• Carding Guidelines are outlined below. Rules: ECNL Conference & Cross-Conference Competition

• Players may be registered and added to an ECNL Roster for ECNL Conference & Cross Conference Competition at any time, provided that they appear on the official ECNL Roster prior to the game.

Carding: ECNL Conference & Cross-Conference Competition • An ECNL Temporary Pass will be provided for ECNL Registered Players added to an ECNL Roster for ECNL

Conference & Cross Conference Competition outside of the pass issuance windows set forth below. No player may participate in ECNL Conference & Cross Conference Competition without either an ECNL Permanent Pass or an ECNL Temporary Pass.

Rules: ECNL National Event Competition • Only ECNL Registered Players with an ECNL Permanent Pass (not an ECNL Temporary Pass) may participate in ECNL

National Event Competition. Carding: ECNL National Event Competition

• ECNL Registered Players added to an ECNL Roster after the Initial Roster Submission Date will be issued ECNL Permanent Passes during the pass issuance windows only.

What is the Pass Issuance Window? • Pass Issuance Window is the time frame when ECNL Permanent (Plastic) Cards are processed and mailed by the ECNL. • The ECNL request that ECNL Club’s initial roster submissions for all five (5) ECNL teams are submitted at the same

time. • ECNL Registered Players with ECNL Temporary Passes will be issued ECNL Permanent Passes during the next

subsequent pass issuance window. a. September 1, 2011: All b. September 26- October 3, 2011 c. December 6-17, 2011 d. February 13 – 20, 2012 e. March 16-26, 2012 f. May 8-15, 2012


PLAYER TRANSFERS Rule 1. An ECNL Registered Player may not play for more than one (1) ECNL Club during the ECNL Season.

Criteria to Transfer The following must be met for a player to be eligible to transfer during the ECNL Regular Season:

1. The ECNL Registered Player’s family moves to a new geographic area; 2. The Director of Coaching of both the prior ECNL Club and the proposed new ECNL Club consent to the transfer in

writing; 3. The new ECNL Club has an available permanent roster spot on an ECNL Roster; and 4. The ECNL Board of Directors at its sole discretion consents to such transfer in writing.

Process to be Followed: Player Transfers 1. Email #1:

a. Emailed by: Proposed new ECNL Club Administrator b. Emailed to: The prior ECNL Club DOC

i. cc: the proposed new ECNL DOC and player 1. Why? Because Both the prior ECNL Club DOC and proposed new ECNL DOC must consent

to the transfer in writing 2. Email #2: Once consent is verified, the email is forwarded

a. Emailed by: the Proposed, new ECNL Club Administrator b. Emailed to: [email protected]

i. cc: [email protected], the proposed new ECNL DOC, the prior ECNL Club DOC, prior ECNL Club Administrator

c. Subject: Player Transfer Request: Insert Name of Player d. Email Body:

i. Name of Player/Prior ECNL Club Team/Proposed new ECNL Club Team ii. Reason: state the reason

iii. Summary/Pertinent information 1. Requesting consent/approval for the transfer

3. ECNL Commissioner will review the request with the BOD 4. ECNL Commissioner will “Reply All” sending an email with subject “Player Transfer Approval” or “Player Transfer

Denied” to notify the parties involved of the pending approval or denial of the transfer

Upon Player Transfer Approval 1. ECNL will remove the transferred player from the ECNL Roster(s) of the “old” ECNL Club 2. The Player’s proposed new ECNL Club Administrator must do the following:

a. Register the player in the system (following the normal Player Registration process outlined above), b. The new ECNL Club must purchase a new ECNL Card for her ($19.00), and c. The ECNL will process the player registration and issue the new plastic card.

FAQ: Player Transfers Are there limits to the amount of roster changes that can be made throughout the season? • Rule: No ECNL Registered Players may be dropped from an ECNL Roster during an ECNL Season, except pursuant to the

Transfer Regulations above. Limits on transfers from other teams? (Hypothetically, could we have a new roster in an age group for each ECNL event or does it need to remain unchanged? ) • Rule: An ECNL Registered Player may not play for more than one (1) ECNL Club during the ECNL Season. • Rule: Please be aware of the ECNL Roster maximums for each ECNL age group.


DISCOVERY PLAYERS Definition: Discovery Player

• A Discovery Player is a player that is not a member of an ECNL Member Club in any capacity. A Discovery Player is allowed to participate in ECNL Competition, pursuant to the 2011-12 ECNL Official Competition Rules, in order to provide opportunity for additional players to participate in ECNL programming. In order to be considered a Discovery Player, a player must be explicitly designated as such on the ECNL Roster before such player participates in any ECNL Competition.

Process to be Followed: Discovery Player Registration and Carding • Discovery Player Registration and carding process is same process as the player registration and carding process outlined

in this document. Discovery Player Carding

1. Discovery Players need an ECNL Permanent (Plastic) Card. A Discovery Player may use an ECNL Temporary Pass for ECNL Conference and Cross-Conference competitions.

2. Beginning in the 2011-12 ECNL Season, ECNL Discovery Player Cards will have a DP symbol printed on them to show they are Discovery Players.

3. Cost of Discovery Player Cards: $19.00. 4. Discovery Player Card lifespan is one (1) year. The club registering the player as their Discovery Player normally pays

for this fee.

Discovery Player Limitations & Guidelines Discovery Player: Number of Discovery Players per ECNL Roster

1. u/14, u/15, u/16, u/17 ECNL teams may each have two (2) Discovery Players, total. 2. U/18 ECNL teams may have four (4) Discovery Players, total.

Discovery Player Guidelines 1. A Discovery Player cannot not appear on two (2) USCS Rosters at the same time (within the ECNL/USCS Demosphere

system): Meaning, the Discovery Player cannot play for the “Sister Team/B team within an ECNL Club” and legally be rostered as a “Discovery Player” for their ECNL Club or any other ECNL Club.

a. EXAMPLE #1- NOT A DISCOVERY PLAYER- A Player on the u/17 PDA “B” team (which does not participate in the ECNL) cannot be listed as a “Discovery Player” for any PDA ECNL team.

b. EXAMPLE #2- NOT A DISCOVERY PLAYER- The PDA u/15 ECNL team suffers some injuries the week leading up to a National Event. PDA decides to pull up 2x u/15 players from the u/15 PDA B team (which does not participate in the ECNL). This is permissible, only if these two players are officially added to the official roster of the PDA ECNL u/15 team. Yes, this does mean these two players will count towards the official ECNL Season Roster maximum (in this case it is a u/15 team so the ECNL Season Roster maximum is 26 players). These two players are still permitted to go back and play for the PDA “B” team after the event but will count towards the u/15 PDA ECNL Season Roster maximum for the duration of the ECNL Season.

2. A Discovery Player may only play for the ECNL Club Team they are rostered & carded. 3. A Discovery Player is a full time player with another non-ECNL club, but for the rest of the year, she is labeled a

Discovery Player and is tied to the ECNL Club. BUT this player can still go home to play for her “home club.” a. EXAMPLE #1- A u/16 Blue Hens player (non ECNL Club) may be rostered with the u/16 PDA ECNL team as

a “Discovery Player.” The Discovery Player can play in National Events for the u/16 PDA ECNL team and is free to go home and play for her "home club,” the u/16 Blue Hens.

4. A Discovery Players may not play in a tournament with an ECNL Club during which the Discovery Player’s “home club” also participates. (She is eligible to play for her “home” club).

a. EXAMPLE #1- Not allowed- If PDA and the designated Discovery Player's "home club" (for example, the Blue Hens) are playing in a non ECNL Event (say Jefferson Cup) in which both her ECNL Club and her “home club,” the Blue Hens, are participating, the Discovery Player must play for her “home club,” the Blue Hens, not PDA.

5. In order to be considered a Discovery Player, a player must be explicitly designated as such on the ECNL Roster before the player participates in any ECNL Competition (Conference, Cross-Conference, National Event).

6. A Discovery Player may participate in the ECNL National Championship. 7. Discovery Players must live either:

a. Within 200 miles of the primary training facility of the ECNL Club to which they are registered as an ECNL Registered Player, or

b. Within the same State as the primary training facility of the ECNL Club to which they are registered as an ECNL Registered Player.

c. Compliance with the distance limitation will be determined by using MapQuest to determine the distance between the Discovery Player’s home address and the address of the ECNL Club’s primary training facility.


ECNL SEASON SCHEDULING Definitions Fixture Dates

• Fixture dates are the initial dates that the ECNL scheduled specified age groups from two different ECNL clubs to play ECNL Regular Season competitions (Conference or Cross-Conference). The fixture dates were distributed in May 2011.

ECNL Season • ECNL Season means the competitive season beginning August 1 of each year and ending July 31 of the following year,

including the ECNL Regular Season (Conference & Cross-Conference Competitions), ECNL National Event competitions, and the ECNL National Championship.

ECNL Regular Season • ECNL Regular Season means the conference and cross-conference ECNL games played prior to the ECNL National

Championship. Home Team vs. Away Team

• The Home Team is the team listed first on the ECNL Schedule found on the ECNL Website. • The Away Team is the team listed second on the ECNL Schedule found on the ECNL Website.

Conference & Cross Conference Scheduling How were conference games scheduled? 2011-2012 ECNL Schedule

1. No club will have less than 14 conference and cross-conference games but no club will have more than 18 conference and cross-conference games. We were able to schedule around ALL high school schedules in every ECNL market. Additionally, for each club, we researched and considered the following areas

a. The national schedule is transparent and available to all b. Schedules and decisions around scheduling were made taking many factors into consideration. First, potential

financial burdens (i.e. hotels, flights, meal cost, gas, etc), time commitments with respect to travel/finances as well as consecutive competition weekends, identified teams with heavy conference travel and were able to balance it with little or no cross conference travel. Additional information that was considered ranged from projected number of hotel nights, number of 8+ hour drives, 4-8 hour drives, 2-4 hour drives to a cost comparison to involvement prior to ECNL participation, etc.

Conference Competition Scheduling 1. The ECNL identifies opponents for each ECNL Club for all ECNL Conference and Cross-Conference Competitions 2. The ECNL assigns the home and away teams for all ECNL Conference and Cross-Conference Competitions 3. The date and time for all ECNL Conference and Cross-Conference Competitions will be determined by the ECNL

Deadline for Conference & Cross-Conference Competitions • All ECNL Conference and Cross-Conference Competitions must be played by June 10, 2012 of the ECNL Season. • The ECNL Board of Directors reserves the right to extend this date under extreme circumstances at its sole discretion.

Regular Season Games in Conjunction with Other Events • ECNL Clubs may agree to play an ECNL Conference or Cross-Conference Competition in conjunction with a

tournament or other non-ECNL competition, guidelines do apply and will be released in the coming months. (For example: they may do so under the following conditions: 1- There shall be no entry fee paid for the ECNL Conference or Cross-Conference Competition except a fee that covers the cost of the referees per the ECNL referee pay scale; 2- All ECNL Competition rules related to roster limits, game length, substitutions, etc. must be followed; 3- Properly notify the ECNL)

Home Team Responsibilities Securing Game Venues

• For each fixture date, the home team is responsible for securing a venue. Cost of Game Venues

• The cost of any venue is the responsibility of the home team. Setting Game Times

• For each fixture date, the home team will work with the away (visiting) team to set game times for each age group. These times shall be set within the following parameters:

o Younger age groups should be played before older age groups, o No game shall be scheduled before 9 a.m. without approval of both teams and the ECNL Commissioner, o All games within a fixture date must be played at the same facility unless both teams and the ECNL

Commissioner agree that additional facilities may be used, and


o There shall be a minimum of two (2) hours between game start-times. Submitting Initial Fixture Date Venue Name/address, field assignments and game times

• Please remember that for all fixture dates, the home team is responsible for submitting the venue name and address, field assignments and game times, to the ECNL Commissioner via the process outlined in this document.

Referees • For each fixture date, the home team is responsible for assigning referees for all games. The home team shall send

confirmation of the referee crew assigned to each game to the ECNL Commissioner no later than seven (7) days before the fixture date.

Guidelines to Remember Referees

• The ECNL shall pay all referee assignor fees. The home team is responsible for paying the referees. Special Circumstances: Time and Venue Changes (Post-Fixture Date Submission)

• Once agreed by both clubs and submitted to the ECNL Commissioner, time and venue should not be changed unless there is an unavoidable conflict. It shall be the home team’s responsibility to communicate time or venue changes to the ECNL Commissioner. The communication for any time or venue change should copy all clubs involved. Absent exceptional circumstances, no time or venue changes will be accepted within 72 hours of a game.

Special Circumstances: Cancelled Games • If ECNL game is cancelled due to weather or exceptional circumstances, the home team shall promptly communicate the

cancellation and the cause to the ECNL Commissioner. The participating teams shall work to reschedule the game as soon as possible. If the participating teams cannot agree on a reschedule date, time or venue, the ECNL shall set the date, time and home team (a “Mandated Game”). A Mandated Game must be completed per ECNL rules.

Process to Follow: Submitting Game Venues/Times for Fixture Dates • For all fixture dates, the venue name and address, as well as the game times, must be submitted to the ECNL

Commissioner by the deadlines below. Format

• Step 1: Submit via email. o Email by: Home Team’s ECNL Club Administrator, Director of Coaching, or other authorized ECNL Club

staff. Cc: Home Team’s ECNL Club Administrator and Director of Coaching, Away Team’s ECNL Club Administrator and Director of Coaching.

o Email to: [email protected] o Subject: Fixture Date Venue/Game Time o Email Body:

Your Name/Role/ECNL Club, Provide the following information in the following format:

o Email Attachment: EXCEL DOCUMENTS ONLY with the following columns/headers Game Number- (as shown on ECNL website) Date: XX/XX/XX (Please note inside of the date function, they must be listed in 1/1/10 format and

not 1 Jan 10) Time: XX:XX <space> am/pm Home Team: Full team name as found in the system. The name in the file MUST match what is in the

system. For example: Birmingham United ECNL U15 Away Team: Full team name as found in the system. The name in the Excel file MUST match what is

in the system. Field. This cannot be an abbreviation. Enter “complex name <space> #Field Number.” For example:

Aurora Sports Complex #4.

• Step 3: The ECNL will notify you within five (5) business days of the submission.

Deadlines for Venue/Time Submission • August 1, 2011: Venues/Times due for games to be played in Fall 2011 (Aug-Dec) • December 1, 2011: Venues/Times due for games to be played in Winter 2011-12 (Jan-Feb) • February 15, 2011: Venues/Times due for games to be played in Spring 2012 (March-June)

Game Number Home Team Away Team DATE TIME Field

15111 Birmingham United ECNL U15 CASL ECNL U15 11/11/11 7:00 PM Demosphere Park #2 15116 Carmel United ECNL U15 Birmingham United ECNL U15 10/21/11 9:00 AM Demosphere Park #6


Process to Follow: Fixture Date Game Changes Guidelines to Remember

• The fixture dates may not be changed unless both participating clubs agree to the change. It is the home team’s responsibility to communicate fixture date changes to the ECNL Commissioner. The communication for any change to a fixture date should copy all clubs involved.

• The ECNL, at its discretion, may refuse fixture date changes that result in a competitive disadvantage for a club; for example, one club playing two games in a weekend while the opponent only plays one game. Absent exceptional circumstances, no Fixture Date changes will be accepted after the deadlines below. Exceptional circumstances shall mean cancellation due to weather, or other events beyond a club’s control as determined by the ECNL.

Format for Submitting • Step 1: The communication for any change to a fixture date should copy all clubs involved. • Step 2: Via email, communicate fixture date changes to the ECNL Commissioner.

o Email by: Home Team’s ECNL Club Administrator, Director of Coaching, or other authorized ECNL Club staff. Cc: Home Team’s ECNL Club Administrator and Director of Coaching, Away Team’s ECNL Club Administrator and Director of Coaching.

o Email to: [email protected] o Subject: Game Change Request o Email Body:

Your Name/Role/ECNL Club, Indicate the reason for the change request, Provide the following information:

• “Requesting the following ECNL Game Changes: Game Numbers, Date, Location, and Teams Competing,

• “Change to the Following: Game Numbers, New Date, New Time, New, Location, and Teams Competing.”

If there is a venue change, please include the name of the venue, the proper address, the fields being used, and the surface of the field.

o Email Attachment: EXCEL DOCUMENTS ONLY with the following columns/headers Game Number- (as shown on ECNL website) Date: XX/XX/XX (Please note inside of the date function, they must be listed in 1/1/10 format and

not 1 Jan 10) Time: XX:XX <space> am/pm Home Team: Full team name as found in the system. The name in the file MUST match what is in the

system. For example: Birmingham United ECNL U15 Away Team: Full team name as found in the system. The name in the Excel file MUST match what is

in the system. Field. This cannot be an abbreviation. Enter “complex name <space> #Field Number.” For example:

Aurora Sports Complex #4.

• Step 3: The ECNL will notify you within five (5) business days of the submission.

Deadlines for Fixture Date Game Change Submission • July 20, 2011: Game Changes for fixture dates initially scheduled in Fall 2011(Aug-Dec) • February 1, 2012: Games Changes for fixture dates scheduled in Spring 2011 (Mar-June)

Uniforms ECNL Regular Season

o In a one (1) game ECNL Regular Season weekend: Home Team wears light uniforms for games being played in a one (1) game weekend during the ECNL Regular Season. The Away Team wears dark uniforms.

o In a two (2) game ECNL Regular Season weekend: Game 1: Home Team wears dark uniforms in the first game of a two (2) game weekend and the Away

Team wears light uniforms. Game 2: Home Team wears light uniforms in the second game of a two (2) game weekend and the

Away Team wears dark uniforms. ECNL National Event Competition

o Home Team is to wear light uniforms; the Away Team is to wear dark uniforms.

Game Number Home Team Away Team

New DATE

New TIME New Field

15111 Birmingham United ECNL U15 CASL ECNL U15 11/12/11 2:00 PM Demosphere Park #2 15116 Carmel United ECNL U15 Birmingham United ECNL U15 11/21/11 1:00 PM Demosphere Park #1


Summary of Important Dates Referees: Submitted no later than seven days before the scheduled date of competition. July 20, 2011: Game Changes for fixture dates initially scheduled in Fall 2011(Aug-Dec) August 1, 2011: Venues/Times due for games to be played in Fall 2011 (Aug-Dec) December 1, 2011: Venues/Times due for games to be played in Winter 2011-12 (Jan-Feb) February 1, 2012: Games Changes for fixture dates scheduled in Spring 2011 (Mar-June) February 15, 2012: Venues/Times due for games to be played in Spring 2012 (March-June) June 10, 2012: ECNL Regular Season ends

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GAME DAY & GAME RELATED Game Lengths

• U14: 2 x25 minute halves • U15: 2 x 40 minute halves • U16: 2 x 40 minute halves • U17: 2 x 45 minute halves • U18: 2 x 45 minute halves

Cautions Yellow and Red Cards (Players).

• Any ECNL Registered Player receiving a red card in an ECNL Competition will be suspended for the remainder of that ECNL Competition and also for the next day on which any ECNL Competition is played by her ECNL Club. For purposes of clarification, if an ECNL Registered Player receives a red card in an ECNL Competition, the ECNL Registered Player will not be eligible to participate in any ECNL Competition on the next day of ECNL competition for any team within the ECNL Registered Player’s ECNL Club.

Yellow and Red Cards (Team Staff) • Any Team Staff receiving a red card in an ECNL Competition will be suspended for the remainder of the ECNL

Competition and for that ECNL Team’s next ECNL Competition. Yellow and Red Card Carryover

• Red card suspensions will carry over into subsequent ECNL Seasons if the red card is received in the final ECNL Competition of the current ECNL Season.

Accumulation • There shall be no yellow card accumulation policy for ECNL Competitions.

Required Game Day Related Items Game Reports

• An official ECNL Game Report must be completed for each ECNL Competition. • The ECNL Game Report must be completed in full, signed by both teams, and the filed by the home team. The Home

team must report the score. Game Report Active Roster Maximum

• Regardless of the number of players listed on an ECNL Game Report, no more than (18) players shall be eligible to appear in the ECNL Competitions

Conference & Cross Conference Compitions – Home Team • The ECNL Game Report must be provided by the home team. • The ECNL Game Report may be accessed via the Demosphere website by either an ECNL Club Contact or the

specific Team’s Manager, Coach or Assistant Coach. • The home team keep the original copy of the completed Game Report for the duration of the season.

National Event Competitions • For ECNL National Competition, the ECNL will provide ECNL Game Reports for each game. Each ECNL Team is

responsible for completing the ECNL Game Report and signing the ECNL Game Report at the conclusion of the ECNL National Competition.

• For ECNL National Competition, the ECNL Game Report must be completed in full and signed by both teams upon conclusion of the game. The referee for the ECNL National Competition will submit the ECNL Game Report to the designated ECNL contact immediately upon conclusion of the ECNL National Competition.

Reporting Game Scores (Conference & Cross-Conference Games) Report Game Score (Home Team)

• The home team is the team listed first on the schedule. • The “Home Team” is responsible for reporting the score of each ECNL Conference or Cross-Conference Competition. • The score must be reported using the toll-free telephone score reporting line within six (6) hours of completion of the

ECNL Conference or Cross-Conference Competition. Phone-In Instructions (Home Team)

• Dial the toll free number 1-866-334-6294. Virginia residents and teams using an international phone number can use the following local number to enter scores: 571-730-5995.

o When asked, say or enter the pin number of the event. Your pin # for your tournament or league can be found in the Season Structure Wizard.

o Enter or say the game #. o You will then be told the division, teams playing, and field location - if this is the correct game, confirm by

saying YES. o When asked, say or enter the score for each team, then confirm. Say Goodbye when done.

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Submitting Team Statistics Teams are Responsible for Recording their own Statistics

• Goal Scorer, Assist, Cautions, Player of the Game Instructions for Team Contact (Team Manager, Coach, or Assistant Coach)

• Log in Click the "Team Page" link Scroll to the schedule at the bottom click the score of the particular match Click the links to "Edit Match Stats"

1. Enter corresponding yellow and/or red cards if earned in match (In each drop down is a corresponding discipline code. A key is found at the bottom)

2. For any players playing up, make sure they are on the list (click the link in the upper left corner to add them to the match list.

3. Indicate the Match MVP 4. Enter the particular goal scorers and Assists. Note: the number of goals will correspond to the final score. Any teams

with 0 goals will not have the option to enter goal scorers. 5. Click save.

ECNL MEMO 25 of 34 7/12/11

Game Report (Match Report) FAQ How do I print an ECNL Game Report?

• Instructions on how to print the game report are found here. (Available at www.eliteclubsnationalleague.com in the Resource Center).

My Season roster has 22 players listed, how many of them are eligible to play in an ECNL competition? • Regardless of the number of players listed on an ECNL Game Report, no more than 18 players shall be eligible to appear

in the ECNL Competition. If more than 18 players appear on the ECNL Game Report, the 18 players “activated” for the game must be designated as such.

If an ECNL rostered U15 player is playing up with the ECNL U16 team for a weekend of games, what do I do? • Please select the player prior to printing out the Match Report (in the pre-match report.) No players shall be handwritten

in on Match Reports in the 2011-12 season. • The team manager should collect these Match Reports after the game from the referee.

JR ECNL Competition (U13) Age Groups

• JR ECNL Competition consists of games between ECNL Clubs at the Under-13 girls age group. Game Lengths

• U13 age group must be played with two (2) thirty (30) minute halves. Sanctioning and Passes

• All players in JR ECNL Competition must be carded with a US Club Pass, unless such player is also on an ECNL Roster, in which case an ECNL Permanent Pass or ECNL Temporary Pass will be accepted for Jr ECNL Competitions.

Optional Participation • It is not mandatory for ECNL Clubs to participate in any JR ECNL Competition in 2011-2012.

Roster Rules • Players participating in JR ECNL Competition may be from any youth soccer club, so long as they are on the ECNL

Club’s US Club Roster, with a US Club Pass, during the JR ECNL Competition. Competition Format

• JR ECNL Competitions may take a variety of formats. Official JR ECNL Competition may only take place between ECNL Clubs.

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REFEREE SUMMARY Securing Referees for Conference & Cross-Conference Games How are referees assigned for conference games? By league or home team?

• Fees for referee assignors for ECNL Conference and Cross-Conference Competition will be the responsibility of the “home” team.

• The ECNL is working to get Regional Ref Assignors; information will be disseminated as soon as it is available! Until there is an announcement, each ECNL Team playing at home shall be responsible for payment of referee costs for each ECNL Conference or Cross-Conference Competition based on the pay scale set forth by the ECNL Board of Directors. The “Home Team” is the team listed first on the ECNL Schedule. ECNL Cross-Conference games being played at a neutral site will be handled differently; details will be announced in the coming months.

Pay Scale • The minimum pay scale for ECNL Conference and Cross-Conference Competitions in the 2011-2012 ECNL Season

shall be as follows: o Center Referee: $75 o Assistant Referee: $50 o Assistant Referee: $50

• (Rough Budget Projection: 5 teams * 12 games * 175 per game (ref) = Ref Fees)

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ECNL PLAYER-ID PROGRAM SUMMARY Scouting Nominations

• Each ECNL Club must recommend no more and no less than three (3) coaches from the ECNL Club as scouts for the ECNL Player Identification Program.

• An ECNL Scouting Nomination Form must be provided for each such nominated scout. The ECNL reserves the right to accept or reject any nominated scout. Unless the ECNL rejects a nominated scout, the scout shall be deemed to be an “Official ECNL Scout.”

Required Scouts • The ECNL Club’s ECNL Director, or the ECNL Club’s Director of Coaching must be one of the nominated scouts.

Scouting Participation • Each ECNL Club will be assigned to scout one (1) game per day at each ECNL National Competition at which they are

participating, for the first two (2) days of the ECNL National Competition event. One of the Official ECNL Scouts from the ECNL Club must scout the assigned game. The Official ECNL Scout must wear apparel (head to toe) provided by the ECNL while scouting for the ECNL Player Identification Program.

Scouting Data • Each Official ECNL Scout will receive a confidential log-in to the ECNL scouting database for purposes of identifying

and evaluating players for the ECNL Player Identification Program. Data for each assigned game must be inputted into the ECNL scouting database within 48 hours after completion of the game.

Violations • Failure of an Official ECNL Scout from the assigned Member Club to scout an assigned game shall constitute a violation

of Rule 6.2. Violations of Rule 6.2 are punishable by, at the sole discretion of the ECNL Board of Directors, without limitation: (i) fines; (ii) ineligibility of players for “All Event Teams”; and / or (iii) revocation of ECNL Membership.

About Player iD Program The ECNL Player Identification Program is intended to provide a better, more efficient, and streamlined process for identifying players with the potential to play with the US Soccer Youth National Teams. The ECNL Player ID Program identifies the top players in the ECNL and then provides opportunities for these players to be seen and trained by U.S. Soccer National Team staff. The ECNL Player ID Program was created under 4 key principles:

(i) Players should be scouted and evaluated in their regular environment. (ii) There should be no additional cost to players for scouting and identification. (iii) To insure accurate evaluations, multiple people should evaluate players over multiple events. (iv) To insure accurate evaluations, the coaches that train and develop the identified players should be consulted as the

best source of information regarding overall ability, mentality, and current form.

By scouting players in their regular team environment, while they are competing against the best players in the country, the ECNL Player ID Program increases opportunities for identified players at no additional cost to the players. The program also does not add congestion to the player calendar by requiring multiple levels of “try-outs” and other competitions to identify players.

The ECNL Player Identification Platform includes a scouting network of over 150 scouts. These scouts include coaches from member clubs of the ECNL as well as independent coaches, and some of the country’s best youth club coaches, coaches with former experience with US Soccer National Teams, and coaches from top Division I, II, and III colleges. The ECNL scouting staff is one of the largest, most qualified, and most comprehensive scouting networks for female players in the country.

ECNL scouts are assigned to observe and analyze ECNL games at each ECNL National Showcase Event. A standardized evaluation program has been established by the ECNL for these scouts whereby identified players will be evaluated on a variety of technical, tactical, physical, and psychological characteristics based upon their performances. The performance of identified players will be tracked over time through a secure, online database allowing longitudinal tracking of the players.

The ECNL / id2 National Camp

The ECNL / id2 International Tour

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MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION ECNL Structure

• ECNL Board of Directors o West: Walid o Midwest: Rory Dames o Mountain: Eric o East: Jason Dewhurst (Secretary) o South: Jay Howell o At-Large Seat 1: Doug Bracken (Vice President) o At-Large Seat 2: Christian Lavers (President) o At-Large Seat 3: Kenny Medina

• ECNL Commissioner: Sarah Kate Noftsinger • ECNL Advisory Board • ECNL Member Clubs

Member Club Standards and Guidelines • Standards & Guidelines have been established by the Board of Directors of the ECNL for its member clubs. The

Standards are provided to help ECNL Member Clubs share best practices in player development and to improve the overall standard of player development in the ECNL, to insure the long-term success and stability of the ECNL, and to assist in the growth and development of the ECNL.

• For complete Standards and Guidelines, please refer to the 2011-12 Member Club Standards & Guidelines found in the Resource Center. They include:

o Participation and Communication Standards o Administrative Standards o Technical Guidelines o Code of Conduct

Mandatory Compliance • The Participation and Communication Standards and the Administrative Standards are requirements for membership in

the ECNL, and all ECNL Member Clubs must abide by these requirements. Recommendations

• The Technical Guidelines are provided as recommendations for each ECNL Member Club. The Technical Guidelines are not requirements for membership in the ECNL, but are provided as recommendations to assist ECNL Member Clubs in providing an optimal environment for player development.

Enforcement • The ECNL is a member-based organization, and as such is a self-policing organization. Any violations of the

Competition Rules or the Standards by an ECNL Member Club should be reported to the ECNL Board of Directors. Reporting of violations of the Competition Rules or the Standards is encouraged as a method to maintain consistent levels of professionalism and fairness in the ECNL.

ECNL Standards Policies and Procedures

• Each ECNL Member Club must abide by all policies and procedures adopted by the ECNL. New ECNL policies and procedures will be distributed to ECNL Member Clubs when they are adopted. Copies of all ECNL policies and procedures are available at www.eliteclubsnationalleague.com under the “About” tab.

Compliance with the ECNL Competition Rules • Every ECNL Member Club must abide by the ECNL Competition Rules. The ECNL Board of Directors shall have final

authority regarding sanctions or punishment for violations of the ECNL Competition Rules. The ECNL Board of Directors shall determine sanctions and punishment at its discretion, and penalties assessed will vary based upon the type and frequency of the violation.

Competition Documentation • ECNL Member Clubs must complete and submit all required player identification forms and match report forms for each

ECNL game.

Disciplinary Matters & Disciplinary Committee • Any disciplinary matters brought before the ECNL Board of Directors through submission of an Incident Report shall be

addressed and responded to at the discretion of the ECNL Disciplinary Committee.

ECNL MEMO 29 of 34 7/12/11

• The Disciplinary Committee is comprised of (2) ECNL Member Club Representatives, the ECNL Commissioner, and one (1) Board of Director member.

• Before any disciplinary action is taken by the Disciplinary Committee, the impacted coach, player, or administrator, or club will be provided the opportunity for a hearing, either in-person or via teleconference. Testimony will be allowed by principal parties, eyewitnesses, and authorities on the subject at hand. The Committee will make a recommendation to the board, but all testimony will remain confidential. Other rules regarding the hearing will be as provided in US Club Soccer and US Soccer Federation policies and procedures, available at http://www.usclubsoccer.org/Files/Disciplinary%20Procedures.pdf

Protests and Appeals. • There will be no protests or appeals of decisions made in ECNL Competitions or by the ECNL Board of Directors. Any

decision by the ECNL Board of Directors or the ECNL Disciplinary Committee that results in a suspension of a player or coach that is not due to a red card is appealable to US Club Soccer, and then to the US Soccer Federation. Any hearing for such appeal shall be conducted pursuant to US Club Soccer and US Soccer Federation policies and procedures, available at http://www.usclubsoccer.org/Files/Disciplinary%20Procedures.pdf.

ECNL Marketing • Consistency of use and marketing of the ECNL and its trademarks are of vital importance to the growth and development

of the ECNL. The following guidelines apply to all ECNL Member Clubs: ECNL Uniform Patches

1. Uniforms: The game jerseys of each player competing in the ECNL must bear the official ECNL logo (the “Logo”). 2. Placement: The Logo must be placed on one of the following locations of each game jersey:

a. The outer seam of the right sleeve of the game jersey (as viewed by the person viewing the front of the shirt); or b. Above or below the number on the rear of the game jersey.

3. Distribution: Patches for this usage will be provided to each ECNL Member Club by the ECNL at the AGM. U-14, U-15, U-16, and U-17 teams will receive fifty-two (52) patches per team (26 patches for the light uniform, 26 patches for the dark uniform). U-18 ECNL teams will receive sixty (60) ECNL patches (30 patches for the light uniform, 30 patches for the dark uniform).

Logo on ECNL Member Club Website • The homepage of the website of each ECNL Member Club must display the Logo along with the language “Official

Member”. The Logo shall be prominently displayed on the website page. ECNL Tab on ECNL Member Club Website

• Each ECNL Member Club shall have a page on their website dedicated to the ECNL (the “ECNL Page”). The ECNL Page shall include, at a minimum, the following information provided by the ECNL:

o Background information about the ECNL, o The ECNL schedule (for your ECNL Teams), o The ECNL Frequently Asked Questions, and o Other information as may be required by the ECNL from time to time.

ECNL Member Club Meetings (Annual General Meeting) • The ECNL will have one Annual General Meeting each calendar year (the “AGM”). ECNL Member Clubs are required

to have at least two representatives at the AGM, one (1) technical staff representative and one (1) administrative staff representative.

• Any ECNL Member Club that fails to meet the attendance requirements for the AGM will be subject to discipline by the ECNL Disciplinary Committee, including assessment of a $500 fine.

Communication between the ECNL and ECNL Member Clubs Necessary ECNL Club Contacts

• Each ECNL Member Club must provide the ECNL with up-to-date contact information for the following positions within the ECNL Member Club:

o Club President, (or Executive Director) o Club Vice-President o Club Treasurer, o ECNL Club Administrator (Registrar), o ECNL Director of Coaching, o ECNL Technical Director.

Necessary ECNL Team Contacts o Head Coaches of each ECNL team in the ECNL Member Club, o Assistant Coaches of each ECNL team in the ECNL Member Club, and o Team Managers of each ECNL team in the ECNL Member Club. * Please Note: If any changes are to occur regarding the Club contacts, changes should be made within Demosphere and the ECNL Member Club should make updates.

ECNL MEMO 30 of 34 7/12/11

Guidelines to Remember • Each ECNL Member Club is responsible for insuring that their members and staff receive all required information

distributed by the ECNL. • Each ECNL Member Club is responsible for insuring that all ECNL forms or informational requests are returned by the

specified due date.

Participating Teams • Each ECNL Member Club must field teams in all ECNL age groups every year, for the entire year. If an ECNL Member

Club cannot field a team in an age group, or if an ECNL team in an ECNL Member Club withdraws from the ECNL, the ECNL Member Club may forfeit its membership in the ECNL.

• Each ECNL Member Club must provide a signed copy of the ECNL Membership Agreement every year by the date established by the ECNL Board of Directors. In addition, each ECNL Member Club must pay the required annual fee for participation in the ECNL as set by the ECNL Board of Directors.

ECNL MEMO 31 of 34 7/12/11

TRAVEL ASSISTANCE • Does league provide travel related services when attending tournaments?

o Yes, the ECNL has an official travel partner. o Details will be released by August 15, 2011.

ECNL NATIONAL EVENT SUMMARY Registration Fee per Event

• All ECNL National Event Competitions have entry fees (exception: ECNL National Championship) • August 15, 2011: If you register and pay for all events by August, 15, 2011, each event fee is $950

o Exception: $1000 for any events paid 0-60 prior to the first day of the event.

ECNL National Event Calendar 1. October 8-10, 2011 @ Phoenix 2. Dec 28-30, 2011 @ Sanford, Florida 3. February 24-26 2012 @ San Antonio, Texas 4. March 31-April 2, 2012 @ San Diego, CA 5. May 26-28, 2012 @ PDA 6. ECNL National Championships: Week of June 25, 2012 Waukegan Sports Park

Payment for National Events • Credit Cards: Payable online via Demosphere when you officially register for ECNL National Events. See the

Demosphere User Guide.

ECNL National Championships • Structure will be announced by August 15, 2011.

RESOURCE CENTER Is there a place for me to find these rules?

• On the website, under Resource Center. In saying that, the website is about to be redesigned and all information will be updated for the 2011-12 ECNL Season. The website will be updated by August 30, 2011.

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2011-12 ECNL CALENDAR DATE DESCRIPTION LOCATION

July 18, 2011 Opening Day: Team & Nat. Event Registration Demosphere

July 18, 2011 Opening Day for ECNL Roster Submission (Player Registration is available upon successful Team Registration & National Event Submission)

Demosphere

July 20, 2011 July 20, 2011: Game Changes for fixture dates initially scheduled in Fall 2011(Aug-Dec) [email protected]

August 1, 2011 Due Date: Venues/Times due for games to be played in Fall 2011 (Aug-Dec) [email protected]

August 15, 2011 Last Date for Initial Roster Submission Demosphere

August 20, 2011 First day of 2011-12 ECNL Regular Season

September 1-5, 2011 Pass Issuance Window #1 (ECNL Permanent Passes)

September 26-October 3, 2011 Pass Issuance Window #2

October 8-10, 2011 ECNL National Event #1 Phoenix, AZ

November 1, 2011 2012-13 ECNL New Member Application Period Opens

December 1, 2011 Due Date: Venues/Times due for games to be played in Winter 2012 (Jan-Feb) [email protected]

December 6-17, 2011 Pass Issuance Window #3

December 28-30, 2011 ECNL National Event #2 Sanford, FL

January 1, 2012 2011-12 ECNL Member Club Renewal and Membership Agreements distributed (for 2012-13 ECNL Season)

January 15, 2012 2012-13 ECNL New Member Application Period Closes

February 1, 2012 2011-12 ECNL Member Club’s Renewal & Membership Agreement Deadline for the 2012-13 Season

February 1, 2012 Due Date: Games Changes for fixture dates scheduled in Spring 2011 (Mar-June) [email protected]

February 13-20, 2012 Pass Issuance Window #4

February 15, 2012 Due Date: Venues/Times due for games to be played in Spring 2012 (March-June) [email protected]

February 24-26, 2012 ECNL National Event #3 San Antonio, TX

March 1, 2012 2012-13 ECNL New Member Invitations Sent

March 15, 2011 2012-13 ECNL New Member Agreements Due and $500 Initial Fee due

March 16-26, 2012 Pass Issuance Window #5

March 31-April 2, 2012 ECNL National Event #4 San Diego, CA

May 1, 2011 2012-13 ECNL Annual Membership Dues Due

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May 8-15, 2012 Pass Issuance Window #6

May 15, 2012 2011-12 ECNL Roster Freeze begins Demosphere

May 26-28, 2012 ECNL National Event #5 PDA Somerset, NJ

June 10, 2012 Last Day of 2011-12 ECNL Regular Season

June 25, 2012 ECNL Annual General Meeting Location TBA Waukegan, IL

June 26-28, 2012 ECNL National Championships u14, u15, u16 Waukegan Sports Park 3391 W. Beach Road Waukegan, IL 60087

June 28-30, 2012 ECNL National Championships u17, u18 Waukegan Sports Park 3391 W. Beach Road Waukegan, IL 60087

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GLOSSARY ECNL Registered Player: ECNL Registered Player means a player on an ECNL Team’s ECNL Roster. ECNL Registered Players must be registered with US Club Soccer and includes players with either an ECNL Temporary Pass or an ECNL Permanent Pass. ECNL Season: means the competitive season beginning August 1 of each year and ending July 31 of the following year, including the ECNL Regular Season and the ECNL National Championship. ECNL Team: ECNL Team is the team of an ECNL Club that participates in ECNL Competition in either the U-14, U-15, U16, U-17, and U-18 age groups. ECNL Game Report: ECNL Game Report means the official game report that must be completed for all ECNL Competitions as provided in Section 5 of these Regulations. ECNL Regular Season: means the regular-season ECNL games played prior to the ECNL National Championship. ECNL Regional Competition: means a regular season game (conference or cross-conference game) between ECNL Teams located in the same geographic region. ECNL National Championship: means the annual post-season games held by the ECNL to determine the ECNL champions, promotion and relegation between ECNL Flights, and the ECNL overall club standings. ECNL National Event: means a regular-season ECNL event at which ECNL National Competitions are held. ECNL Competition: means an ECNL game played during the ECNL Regular-Season or at the ECNL National Championship, and includes both ECNL Regional Competition and ECNL National Competition. ECNL Competition does not include JR ECNL Competition. ECNL Club: means a member club of the ECNL as provided in the bylaws of the ECNL.

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